older home renovation

How to Keep Old Home Character While Modernizing: Balancing Updates With Historic Preservation

How to Keep Old Home Character While Modernizing: Balancing Updates With Historic Preservation

Older houses can be updated for modern living without sacrificing their original charm. Architectural designer Nate Turner shares six principles for prioritizing renovations, protecting historic details, and avoiding expensive design mistakes.

What Should You Renovate First in an Older House? Start With What Organizes the House

What Should You Renovate First in an Older House? Start With What Organizes the House

Before you automatically renovate the kitchen, step back and look at the whole house. In an older home, the smartest first project is often the decision that organizes circulation, entries, public and private spaces, and everything you may renovate later.

The Three Types of Home Renovation Homeowners Should Understand Before Spending Money

The Three Types of Home Renovation Homeowners Should Understand Before Spending Money

Not all renovations solve the same kind of problem. Some are cosmetic, some are functional, and some are truly transformational. In this post, learn the three types of home renovation homeowners should understand before spending money and why identifying the right category first can save confusion, wasted budget, and disappointing results.

Is It Worth Hiring an Architect for a Renovation? For Many Older Homes, Yes.

Is It Worth Hiring an Architect for a Renovation? For Many Older Homes, Yes.

Many homeowners wonder whether hiring an architect for a renovation is a luxury or a practical step. For older homes, it is often one of the smartest investments you can make. In this post, learn how design strategy helps protect charm, prevent costly mistakes, and bring clarity to layout, additions, curb appeal, and construction decisions before serious money is spent.

What Is the 30% Rule for Home Renovation and Does It Actually Make Sense?

What Is the 30% Rule for Home Renovation and Does It Actually Make Sense?

The 30% rule is often treated like a renovation law, but older homes rarely fit neat formulas. In this post, learn why budgeting by percentage alone can lead homeowners astray and why design-first planning matters more than any generic rule when deciding how much to invest in your home.

Design vs. Build: Where Your Money Should Go First

Design vs. Build: Where Your Money Should Go First

Should you spend on design or construction first? Learn how design-first planning protects your renovation budget and increases long-term value.